Remembering Rick

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your Rod and Your staff they comfort me. ~Psalm 23:4

This week marks the one year passing of a very dear soul. Rick was my brother-in-law and so much more than family to us all. We remember his kind eyes, gentle smile and the many fond memories made with him over the course of time.

My husband, Mike loved his big brother deeply. They spent hours of their childhood playing hockey on their backyard rink. And from what I hear, Mike was often a bit of a thorn in his brother's side. He admired him so greatly and thus followed him relentlessly. Mike teased, provoked and pursued his big bother as little brothers do to get attention. Rick was patient and tolerant. And probably deep down in his heart, Rick loved the attention more than he was willing to show his younger sibling.

Rick and Mike shared a passion for hunting; ducks and pheasants mostly. They had their "hot spots" on public land in western Minnesota where they walked together and pursued this passion. Oh the adventures they had! The stories are endless about Rick....always so serious about the hunt, yet cracking everyone up with his accident prone ways and dramatic expressions. Always finding holes to fall in to twist his ankle and his incessant cry for......SAAAAAAGGGGGE. (his beloved dog). Without effort and almost without even knowing, Rick brought laughter to these hunting fields and a soft presence that he was unaware that he even had.

Rick's final days on earth were hard. It all came so fast. We were shocked and stunned that death was at the door. Death is a thief and such a liar. You can never prepare for it, nor accept it as it bolts its way in.

Rick may be gone from our eyes, but certainly he is not gone from our hearts. He chose Christ in the end and he finally understood just how much God loved him. We know the angels of Heaven were fighting for his soul! We know the Hound of Heaven came and whisked him up in His loving arms and carried him home. For this, we are so grateful.

Rick, you are deeply missed, dearly loved and will never be forgotten.

Mike dedicated and named he and Rick's favorite hunting spot, Rick's Creek. Here is his final tribute to his big brother and hunting buddy..

Rick's Creek

Avid Pheasant Hunter

Wonderful Husband

Loving Father

Best Big Brother

Favorite Uncle - Hell Yeah!

Many amazing hunting stories

happened on this piece of land.

Some are sad, some are painful,

most are full of joy and laughter.

We did life here together, Rick and I.

He was taken far too soon.

He will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Brother.

We will meet again!

Pray with me....

Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your comfort when we are hit with waves of grief. You are so good. Be glorified in every part of our lives, even in our pain. We trust Your perfect plan for us, for our nation, and for this world. Let thy kingdom come and Thy will be done. Renew our hope and strength and protect us from evil. In Jesus Name, Amen